Designfusion Blog

As I write this article, Solid Edge ST10 has been released, but is not yet available for download. Many of the mainstream CAD publications have already
published articles, singing the praises of the new Generative Design and Convergent Modeling. They also highlighted the Simulation enhancements, new
Solid Edge Technical Documentation, and the 3D Printing tools. Each major enhancement is article worthy on its own. However, some very powerful enhancements
have been omitted or just glossed over by these articles. Often, it’s the less popular enhancements that excite the long-time users. I call these the
hidden gems. I’d like to introduce you to 6 of these hidden gems in Solid Edge ST10.

Hidden Gem 1: The new Scale Body command.

In the past, to scale a body you had to use the Offset Command, in the Modify group, or synchronous moves. This often would confuse newer users, and many
have asked for a simpler scale body command. Solid Edge ST10 has delivered on this request. The new command allows for uniform, and non-uniform scaling.
You can select any scale point that you desire, and you can scale multiple bodies at the same time.

Note: Non-uniform scaling has options to scale along x, y, and z.

Hidden Gem 2: Expose corner gap in Sheet Metal commands

Another popular request was for Solid Edge to allow users corner gap control in the Bend Corner commands and the Contour Flange command. In ST10 the gap
corner values can now be controlled in the 2 and 3 Bend Corner commands, and the Contour Flange command. The value can be changed by using the scroll
wheel.

A couple of releases ago, Solid Edge introduced the Duplicate Component command. In ST10 they are introducing a new Clone Component command. The Clone
Component command allows the user to place multiple occurrences of one or more components at different locations in an assembly. Which sounds like
what the Duplicate Command does in Solid Edge. The differences are as follows:

- Clone Component placement is based on geometry recognition. Duplicate uses a target part or coordinate system to orient a component.

- The Duplicate command groups the duplicated components as patterns. The Clone Component command will place the components in an assembly group if
the “Group cloned components” option is checked on. However, the components are placed individually and not as a pattern.

- Cloned components have an option to be placed with assembly relationships. Duplicate Component command does not create relationships.

These differences allow the user greater flexibility and independent control when placing multiple components into an assembly.

Hidden Gem 4: The new One Body Assembly command

This is a new command that I know will be well received by several of my customers. The new One Body Assembly command allows users to create a representation
of an assembly as a single body.

Some of the benefits of a One Body Assembly are:

- Users can remove hidden or redundant detail.

- It allows data sharing while protecting intellectual property.

- Users can use single bodies for complex supplier parts, reference parts, or layouts.

- Use of single bodies will improve performance in large assemblies.

Hidden Gem 5: Making the background sheet locatable

The background sheet geometry can now be located from the working sheet, for precise positioning of objects during placement and modifications. This new
option is turned on in the IntelliSketch group.

This allows users to locate and snap to the background sheet geometry, while adhering to IntelliSketch preferences like alignment indicator, key points
etc.

Hidden Gem 6: Undo enhancements in Draft.

If you’ve ever placed the wrong drawing view(s), you will like this next enhancement. ST10 now allows users to hit Undo for drawing view creation. In the
past users would have to delete the views. Now all drawing views, as well as Nailboard creation methods, support the undo functionality. Plus, all
types of drawing views like orthographic, pictorial and derived views like detail, section etc. are supported with undo functionality.

Furthermore, ST10 now allows Undo for drawing view updates. When the update action is undone, drawing views are put back into their previous state. Updates
of dependent objects like tables, dimensions and annotations are also considered for the same undo transaction. Plus, changes made on drawing view
properties are also logged for undo as ‘Drawing View Properties’.

Solid Edge ST10 – A Serious Update

As stated in Kyle Maxey’s post on Engineering.com, “ST10 looks to be another quality upgrade”

ST10 delivers new and innovative tools for the future, yet still continues to enhance existing tools. Designfusion will be showcasing many of these new
and improved tools in upcoming events. Our first “What’s New in ST10” event will be in Chicago on August 17, 2017. (Click to register here - Password: ST10).
More events will be announced in the near future. We look forward to seeing you at one of these events.

Over the last several years there have been numerous reports and articles discussing the increasing skilled labour gap, that is being fueled by the retiring
baby boomers. The industry leaders have known of this pending problem, yet haven’t seemed to be able to deal with it effectively. Here at Designfusion,
with the help from Siemens PLM Software, we are attempting to help reduce the gap by focusing on the next generation of skilled workers.

To do this, we are offering all High Schools, free Solid Edge Educational software. This includes full blown network licenses of Solid Edge, educational
curriculum, web and online support for teachers, and, space permitting, free training for teachers. Plus, any registered student can obtain a free
Student version of Solid Edge, even if his or her school is not teaching Solid Edge. To learn more about the free student license you can visit
https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/academic/resources/solid-edge/index.shtml.

How will this help reduce the skilled labour gap? It has been our experience, that by introducing Computer Aided Design (CAD) to high school students,
we capture their interest early and increase their chances of having them enroll in design and engineering programs, in college and university. For
example, we received a letter from a local Technological Design Teacher, where he writes;

‘After completing a manual drafting unit, I introduce the students to Solid Edge and they are simply amazed at how quickly they can design 3D objects. Once they discover that Solid Edge generates orthographic views and proper dimensions their reactions are absolutely priceless as they all question why we even had to use a T-square in the first place! All of a sudden, they think designing is "cool" and they can't wait to take the software home and show their friends and family. Since using Solid Edge in my classroom I've had visits from guidance counselors and other teachers wondering what all the "buzz" is about.’

We have heard similar stories from others teachers. We believe that the “buzz” generated in the High Schools will lead to more students seeking potential
careers in the CAD/CAM industry. This not only feeds an industry need, but hopefully, it will also provide future employees for our existing customers.

But offering this program and getting it accepted by Schools and teachers are two different matters. Sadly, many teachers are unaware or unwilling to accept
this amazing offer. For those who are unaware, we are hopefully rectifying that problem with an ongoing campaign to let them know about the Solid Edge
Educational offering. For the others, some prefer old, outdated software, because they know how to use and teach it. Others may be close to retirement
themselves and do not wish to learn the newest technology. While others may be told what to teach by individuals with higher authority.

Some may say that this program is self-serving. That we are simply trying to put our software in front of students to secure future sales. Before questioning
our motives, I ask that you do your research. Solid Edge has the newest and most innovative technology on the market today. Our focus has always been
on technology, and the industry is noticing. For example, this recent article that appeared on Engineering.com, discusses our advanced technology:

We have the technology, we have the tools, and we are willing to give them to High School teachers for free. All they have to do is accept our offer. If
you the reader can help get this message across to your local High Schools, we thank you.

For more information on any educational offerings from Siemens PLM Software and Designfusion, please contact John Pearson at [email protected] or call us at 416-267-5542 or 1-888-567-3933.